How much backswing is too much?

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Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
Wow, I thought my DD had a big back swing, its up there but she opens her shoulders to get it there. I can't imagine going straight back with both arms that high.
DSC06900.jpg
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
The key element to this whole backswing deal is the orientation of the hand, as BM said. Keep the hand positioned so that their palm faces their body, not letting their hand get behind the ball during the backswing. Hand in front of the ball is ok, too... but I prefer hand outside. When hand behind happens, it can pull the arm away from the body, considerably... and if it persists, puts the elbow in a recessed position that creates poor shoulder kinematics. Minimizing backswing also creates a need for establishing forward body momentum early, which is a good thing.

Also, a double pump is not unhealthy for the glove shoulder, providing the range of motion is within the aforementioned limits.
 
Sep 18, 2012
94
0
A, A
We use no backswing, unless your tall our PC says it actually slows your arm circle down! Listening to him we've added 5.5 mph in 5 weeks!
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
We have a challenger to Ken Bs daughter (the one with no bones in her arm) skipping stones...


http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/16608-straight-arm-all-way-through-release-please-help-3.html#post200824

Funny you mention this. She loves to show off her flexibility to those that have the stomach to watch. I can't watch and remind her she has a 4th HS state bowling championship to win and that her freak show contortions are putting that title at risk... She doesn't listen to me...
 
Dec 13, 2014
91
0
I am in the process of converting my DD from HE to IR. After reading Java's drive mechanics and Boardmembers stickies we are starting over completely. One question I have is about back swing. My DD has very long arms with very flexible shoulders. The picture below is from this spring when she was still 9. As you see her arm gets completely vertical in her backswing. Intuitively I think it is too much(besides looking painful) but I was wondering what is ideal and why?
View attachment 7105
Her arm is way too far back . Taught my daughter (d2 college pitcher) two hang it back into a comfortable position, i would suggest horizontal at the most. The farther back will not bring more arm speed
 
May 13, 2012
599
18
I have seen two pitchers one was in the college playoffs on tv this past season. The reason she stood out was a rec pitcher I have seen and both bend their right arm on back swing and the ball appears to be beside their left ear. Someone on here may have access to the video fo the college pitcher. Both appeared to be painful. The rec pitcher was successfull due to throwing the batters off timing the swing of the arm.
 

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